CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Refusing to Let Go
The distance between them was unbearable.
Julian stood in his office, staring at the door Chidimma had just closed behind her earlier.
Her voice replayed in his mind.
"I'm here to work. Nothing more."
It didn't sit well with him.
Not at all.
For two years, he had lived with regret.
And now that she was finally back in his life—
He wasn't going to lose her again.
"Sir, your meeting—"
"Cancel it," Julian said immediately.
The staff froze slightly.
"Cancel everything for today."
Minutes later—
Julian walked out of his office with one goal in mind.
Chidimma.
She was focused on her work, typing calmly, ignoring everything around her.
But she felt it.
His presence.
"Chidimma," he called.
She didn't look up.
"Yes, sir?"
That word again.
Sir.
"We need to talk," he said.
"I'm working," she replied calmly.
Julian walked closer.
"This can't wait."
Now she looked up.
Her eyes calm.
But distant.
"I don't think there's anything left to talk about," she said.
"There is," he replied. "A lot."
She sighed softly and stood up.
"Fine," she said. "Make it quick."
He led her into his office and shut the door.
The moment the door closed—
The tension returned.
Strong.
Unavoidable.
Julian turned to face her.
"I'm ending it," he said.
Chidimma frowned.
"Ending what?"
"My engagement with Vanessa."
Silence.
Her heart skipped.
But her expression didn't change.
"And?" she asked.
Julian blinked.
"And?" he repeated.
"Yes," she said calmly. "And?"
"I'm choosing you," he said.
The words hung in the air.
Heavy.
Powerful.
But Chidimma didn't react the way he expected.
Instead—
She shook her head slowly.
"No," she said.
Julian froze.
"No?" he repeated.
"You don't get to choose me now," she said. "Not like this."
His chest tightened.
"What does that mean?"
"It means," she continued, "you had a choice before. And you didn't choose me."
"That was different," he said. "You know why—"
"Yes," she cut in. "I know. Your father. Your family. Your responsibilities."
She stepped closer.
Her eyes locked on his.
"So what changed now?" she asked. "Why am I suddenly worth the fight?"
Julian didn't hesitate.
"Because I almost lost you," he said.
That hit her.
But she didn't show it.
"Almost?" she repeated softly. "Julian… you already did."
Silence filled the room.
"I'm not that same girl anymore," she continued. "The one who waited. The one who hoped."
His voice softened.
"Then let me prove it to you."
Chidimma shook her head.
"Love is not something you prove in one day," she said. "It's something you choose every day."
Julian stepped closer.
"I'm ready to do that."
Her heart beat faster.
But she stayed strong.
"Then start by fixing your life," she said.
"Not because of me… but because it's the right thing to do."
He looked at her.
Really looked at her.
"And if I do?" he asked.
Chidimma paused.
Then replied quietly—
"Then maybe… we'll see."
Hope.
Just a little.
But enough.
Julian nodded slowly.
For the first time—
He understood.
This wasn't about winning her back.
It was about becoming someone worthy of her.
And this time—
He wasn't going to fail.